Sports journalism

Poynter Results

"Indentured" is a harsh term to employ in describing many college athletes. But it's the carefully chosen title of a new book on college sports and, in particular, the role of a goliath overseer, the NCAA.

As reputations go in journalism, it doesn’t get much better than being known as a reporter who asks tough questions.

That’s the common narrative in stories about Rachel Nichols. Sports Illustrated once called her “the country's most impactful and prominent female sports journalist” because of her ability to ask tough-but-fairs.

When Tyler Hansbrough led North Carolina to the national title in 2009, Dana O’Neil left her seat on the floor and climbed a few rows into the stands to talk to his family. The access allowed the ESPN.com reporter to get a quote from Hansbrough’s father, Gene, on how it was the culmination of a dream for his son.

O’Neil cited that anecdote when she told NCAA officials why it is important for reporters to have courtside seating during the men’s basketball tournament.